CityGlider spreads its wings

It's been dubbed the $9 million 'food and footy' service, it's designed to run at fast-food speed and now City Hall has revealed when the much-touted maroon CityGlider bus service will kick off.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk will be joined by top sporting talent, including Brisbane Roar captain Matt Smith and Queensland Reds hooker James Hanson, on Tuesday to announce February 18 as the first day passengers can board the high-frequency Ashgrove to Stones Corner service.

The new maroon CityGlider rolls into action on February 18. Photo: Supplied

Designed to link the city's major sporting and cultural locations and modelled after the popular blue Teneriffe to West End glider, the new pre-paid service operates for 18 hours Sunday to Thursday, and 24 hours on Fridays and Saturdays.

And, like the blue glider, it will run every 10 minutes during peak periods and 15 minutes in off-peak times, while also operating through the night on Friday and Saturday every 30 minutes after midnight.

Cr Quirk said ratepayers would enjoy better connectivity and reduced traffic congestion as a result of the service which would “no doubt be popular with sports fans”.

“We anticipate the service will be a real boost for local businesses, tourists and commuters,” Cr Quirk.

Meanwhile Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the frequency of the maroon CityGlider would make it attractive to passengers.

“The blue and maroon CityGliders will become two of the most recognisable and popular features of public transport in Brisbane,” Mr Emerson said.

To mark the launch, fare-free travel will be offered on the maroon CityGlider until the end of February.